Odoteres Ricardo de Ozias is a Brazilian artist born in 1940 in Eugenópolis, Minas Gerais. He grew up in a large family and began working in the fields at an early age. These experiences later influenced his work, which depicts rural and community life, religious festivals and Afro-Brazilian cultural practices. His family moved to Rio de Janeiro, where Ozias worked in a variety of jobs, including for the federal railways. It was during this period that his artistic talent was first noticed, when he illustrated a book on the wood species of the Amazon.
Ozias was a self-taught artist who used unconventional materials and methods, such as chewed matches and his fingers, to create his paintings. His works often depict the hectic life and traditions of Brazil, focusing on collective rather than individual experiences. He captured scenes of farm work, religious rituals and festivities, characterised by bright colours and dynamic compositions.
In the mid-1980s, Ozias began exhibiting his work, with initial support from Elizabeth Travassos of the Fundação Nacional de Artes. His work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in Brazil and abroad, including Paris and Frankfurt. He has been recognised for his unique style, blending elements of Afro-Brazilian religious traditions with Christian iconography, reflecting the syncretism of Brazilian culture.
Ozias' contributions to art were significant, despite the challenges he faced, such as health problems and the conservative views of his evangelical community, which sometimes conflicted with his artistic themes. He continued to produce and exhibit his work until his death in 2011. His legacy includes recognition as a distinguished naive artist, and his works are held in various collections and museums around the world.